Challenges of Capturing Royal Family Portraits
Arranging formal royal photographs with young children demands skill, especially to keep them engaged and still. In 2018, during celebrations for King Charles’s 70th birthday, Getty Images royal photographer Chris Jackson photographed the family at Clarence House gardens, producing an iconic image filled with joy.
The Memorable Group Shot
The portrait shows King Charles and Queen Camilla seated on a bench. Prince George sits on his grandfather’s lap, Princess Charlotte cuddles close to Camilla, and baby Prince Louis rests in the arms of his mother, the Princess of Wales. Prince William, the Princess of Wales, Prince Harry, and Meghan join them, all sharing a moment of unrestrained laughter.
Secrets to the Lighthearted Moment
Chris Jackson, author of Modern Majesty—a collection of renowned royal images—shared insights into creating this relaxed vibe amid formal proceedings.
“We were trying to think about how to make it a little bit more lighthearted,” Jackson explained. “When you do these formal portraits, it can be a little bit stiff.”
“It was a lovely moment; the kids laughed,” he continued. “The grown-ups laughed. So what I loved is that we got the formal photo that we needed for history, I suppose. And then just came a really fun moment that resonated with people—everyone enjoying themselves.”
Jackson highlighted the unpredictability of group shots with children. After consulting the royal couple’s communications secretary, he gained approval to approach the session unconventionally, resulting in this cherished, authentic family scene.
